Just hours after Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer announced he would not seek re-election, Democrats in Prince George’s County began to be polled on potential candidates who could take his place.
Following months of speculation regarding Hoyer’s plans to retire, many lower-level politicians have been strategizing and organizing behind the scenes in preparation for this eventuality.
According to the Board of Elections, several Democrats and Republicans have already filed to run. Though some candidates are former federal employees, none possess significant experience within the local elected landscape. However, as the February 24 deadline approaches, this is expected to change.
“It’s likely that a more progressive candidate will emerge to succeed Hoyer. Given that this is not a highly competitive district, voters may not feel the need to make strategic choices,” stated Todd Eberly, a political science professor at St. Mary’s College.
“Voters in this safe Democratic seat won’t be as concerned with appealing to independents or moderate Republicans, unlike in more contested districts,” Eberly explained.
The 5th District encompasses all of Southern Maryland, southern Prince George’s County, parts of Anne Arundel County, and central and western regions of Prince George’s County.
“Given the demographics, it’s likely that the political dynamics of Prince George’s and Charles Counties will significantly impact who secures the Democratic nomination and ultimately claims the seat,” Eberly added.
Even though some of these areas have conservative Republican representatives at the state and county levels, the numerous Democrats residing in the more populous regions greatly dominate the congressional race.
“It’s interesting to note that St. Mary’s is Hoyer’s home county, yet politically, it might be where he feels least aligned,” he remarked.
Potential Candidates
At least one circulating poll is gauging voter sentiments on Rushern Baker, Quincy Bareebe, Wala Blegay, State Delegate Adrian Boafo, Harry Dunn, Harry Jarin, and Nicole Williams as possible candidates.
Bareebe and Jarin have officially filed to run, and Boafo is a state delegate from Bowie. Williams, also a state delegate from Hyattsville, serves as the chair of the county’s delegation this year. Dunn is a former U.S. Capitol Police officer who has ties to the county and previously ran in the adjacent 4th District in 2024. Blegay currently holds an at-large position on the Prince George’s County Council, while Baker is the former county executive of Prince George’s County.
Both Boafo and Blegay have openly indicated their interest in running, while Williams has often been mentioned by political insiders as a potential candidate.
A source close to Baker has suggested he is considering a bid for the seat, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Additional names are circulating, with Maryland Delegate C.T. Wilson expressing to WTOP that he is contemplating a run.
“It’s a secure Democratic seat, meaning whoever wins the Democratic primary is likely to hold the seat as long as they desire. This makes it a tempting opportunity for many,” Eberly stated.
However, he cautioned that individuals currently serving in Annapolis or at the county level must carefully weigh their options, as running for this congressional seat could jeopardize their current positions.
“To enter the primary for this congressional seat, candidates will not be able to simultaneously pursue their existing positions,” Eberly explained. “Do they want to forfeit that security for a chance at this opportunity?”
Consequently, the list of potential candidates may witness both additions and subtractions in the coming weeks.
